Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados.
The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian climate shapes rum over extended periods of time.
Widely recognised as the oldest continuously operating rum distillery, Mount Gay’s history stretches back to 1703. Its signature style has long been defined by Barbadian molasses, coral-filtered water and maturation in American oak, with the island’s warm climate accelerating interaction between spirit and cask.
Significantly, these are the first aged statement releases from Mount Gay, marking a major shift in how the distillery presents its aged stock.
Mount Gay’s signature style has long been defined by Barbadian molasses, coral-filtered water and maturation in American oak
The long maturation route to rum excellence
Both Exceptionally Aged expressions have matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, a decision intended to showcase the distillery’s house character rather than the influence of secondary finishes or exotic cask treatments.
Leading the collection is Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 25 Year Old, bottled at 47% ABV. Distilled in 1999 in a single column still under the supervision of former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, it spent a quarter of a century in ex-American oak bourbon casks before bottling. Just 2,376 bottles will be released worldwide, priced at £165.
On the nose, the 25YO is said to offer aromas of vanilla and red fruits, with a palate stacked with rich caramel, dark chocolate and citrus notes.
Its15 Year Old stablemate is bottled at 43% ABV and limited to 4,942 bottles, priced at £75.
On the nose expect bright grapefruit with notes of buttery pastry, before the palate moves towards butterscotch, vanilla and caramel. The result is a style said to be approachable while still offering the concentration and depth expected of a long-aged rum.
Master Blender Trudiann Branker says the collection is a tribute to the generations of blenders who laid down these casks decades ago with no certainty of when, or even if, they would eventually be bottled.
“These rums offer a taste as close to what comes directly from the barrel as possible, a perfect representation of our legacy and the unique tropical climate of Barbados”
Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15 is available now, while Exceptionally Aged 25 follows in July through Master of Malt and selected independent merchants.
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The Luxe Review 
Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados.
The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian climate shapes rum over extended periods of time.
Widely recognised as the oldest continuously operating rum distillery, Mount Gay’s history stretches back to 1703. Its signature style has long been defined by Barbadian molasses, coral-filtered water and maturation in American oak, with the island’s warm climate accelerating interaction between spirit and cask.
Significantly, these are the first aged statement releases from Mount Gay, marking a major shift in how the distillery presents its aged stock.
The long maturation route to rum excellence
Both Exceptionally Aged expressions have matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, a decision intended to showcase the distillery’s house character rather than the influence of secondary finishes or exotic cask treatments.
Leading the collection is Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 25 Year Old, bottled at 47% ABV. Distilled in 1999 in a single column still under the supervision of former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, it spent a quarter of a century in ex-American oak bourbon casks before bottling. Just 2,376 bottles will be released worldwide, priced at £165.
On the nose, the 25YO is said to offer aromas of vanilla and red fruits, with a palate stacked with rich caramel, dark chocolate and citrus notes.
Its15 Year Old stablemate is bottled at 43% ABV and limited to 4,942 bottles, priced at £75.
On the nose expect bright grapefruit with notes of buttery pastry, before the palate moves towards butterscotch, vanilla and caramel. The result is a style said to be approachable while still offering the concentration and depth expected of a long-aged rum.
Master Blender Trudiann Branker says the collection is a tribute to the generations of blenders who laid down these casks decades ago with no certainty of when, or even if, they would eventually be bottled.
“These rums offer a taste as close to what comes directly from the barrel as possible, a perfect representation of our legacy and the unique tropical climate of Barbados”
Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15 is available now, while Exceptionally Aged 25 follows in July through Master of Malt and selected independent merchants.
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